Shadows Of Lost Memories

A cardboard box tents over the grate,
but it's too small to lay down inside,
so he uses old papers to cover the rest
to get warm, to sleep, and to hide.

On the nights he is able to warm himself
comes dreams and a peaceful sleep.
Then shadows are cast of lost memories
that his mind was unable to keep.

Last night he almost saw their faces,
as he heard them call his name.
Then came dawn's light, taking them away,
playing over the same cruel game.

When the shadows appear, he's happy,
but awakens confused and quite sad.
They tell him soon he'll be with them
and relive the good times they had.

Crawling from the box, he takes his first drink
and gets ready for another hard day.
Tonight if he's warm, the shadows will come
and just maybe will take him away.